Eurovision fans in Glasgow were left gutted last night after it was announced the city lost to Liverpool in the iconic event next year.
Rainbow-coloured flags were out in full force as around a hundred people packed into Delmonicas LGBTQ Drag and Cabaret Bar to watch excitedly on screens throughout the venue. It was a sober atmosphere though with many punters holding their heads in their hands, with some even reduced to tears after hearing the Scouse city would host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine in 2023.
Some let out boos as Graham Norton broke the bad news on the BBC 's The One Show. After a shortlist of seven potential UK host cities were revealed in August, last week the list was whittled down further, leaving a head-to-head battle between Glasgow and Liverpool.
Scotland's biggest city was always tipped as the favoured bid, with a 67% chance being offered. Ukraine were denied permission to host due to the ongoing war and invasion by Russian forces. The event will be held in the English city at its M&S Bank Arena.
Eurovision enthusiast Adam Robinson, from Glasgow said: “It's a shame that Glasgow have missed out on the honour of hosting Ukraine's Eurovision. However I am overjoyed for Liverpool and will definitely travel down to visit.
“What's been the best about this whole process is seeing Glasgow discussed on a global platform with such praise as it should be. I think from making it to the final twp cities alone will have put our city on many people's radar.
“If the UK win Eurovision in 2023, Glasgow can host 2024!“
Janet, 42, from Glasgow was in Dels soaking up the atmosphere but ended up gutted. “I can’t believe it, I really can’t. I thought we had this in the bag. Glasgow was the favourite."
She added: “I’m happy for Liverpool though. But I bet they can’t party like Glasgow."
Stuart Laird, 36, from Glasgow said: “I’m really disappointed, I really thought we had it in the bag. I hope Liverpool put on a good show though, I’m sure they will. At the end of the day, this is for Ukraine.”
Lesley Philips, 50, from Glasgow said: “I think Liverpool will put on a good show, but not as good as what Glasgow would have. We know how to party. I’m so disappointed. I really am.”
Ben Davidson, 39, from Ayrshire travelled all the way to Glasgow to watch the announcement, he said: “I’m am so gutted. This was the place to be. I’m sure Liverpool will do great though and I might even travel down to watch it.”
Maurizio Verducci, 27, is originally from Italy but now lives in Glasgow and said: “Glasgow has a great music scene and I thought Eurovision would be a great opportunity to expand on that. I’m quite disappointed by the announcement.”
Bella Houston is Delmonicas resident Drag Queen: “I’ve been up to high-doe all this week, and this has just topped me other the edge. Well done to a Liverpool though. Glasgow would have done it better.”
Meanwhile, Irn-Bru posted a picture on Twitter, saying: "Liverpool? What have they ever done for music?"
A caption from the makers of the national fizzy juice added: "Well, at least the second best choice won."
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